Sep 15 (IANS) Roger Federer, a 20-time Grand Slam singles champion, on Thursday announced his retirement from top-level tennis, saying that Laver cup will be his final ATP tour event.
The 41-year-old has not played since Wimbledon 2021, after which he had a third knee operation.
“Laver cup next month will be my final ATP tour event. I will not play any more Grand Slams or on the tour,” the tennis great said in a statement on Twitter.
“I have worked hard to return to full competitive form. But I also know my body’s capacity and limit. I am 41 years old and have played more than 1500 matches over 24 years. Tennis has treated me generously more than I ever would have dreamt and I must recognise when I have to end my competitive career. I will play more tennis, of course, but not in Grand Slams and in tour. It’s a bitter-sweet decision,” he added.
Only Spain‘s Rafael Nadal, with 22 majors, and Serbia’s Novak Djokovic, with 21, have more men’s Grand Slam singles titles than Federer.
New Delhi, Sep 14 (IANS) Former Indian tennis player and Davis Cup captain Naresh Kumar, who was a mentor to Olympic medallist Leander Paes, passed away in Kolkata on Wednesday.
He was 93. He is survived by his wife Sunita, son Arjun, and two daughters — Gita and Preah.
All India Tennis Association (AITA) condoled the demise of Indian tennis legend, calling it an irreparable loss
“We have come to know about the sad demise of Indian Tennis Legend and former Davis Cup Captain Naresh Kumar. It’s an irreparable loss to Indian Tennis. We pray for his eternal peace and our deepest condolences to his family, friends and fans around the world,” said AITA in a tweet.
Indian tennis great Naresh Kumar passes away. He was 93.
Kumar rose to prominence in 1949, making the latter stages of the Indian International championships and Northern Championships. He made his debut for India in the Davis Cup in 1952 and was a mainstay of the team.
Playing in the days before the Open Era, where only amateurs were allowed, Naresh’s best performance at Wimbledon came in 1955 when he made the fourth round in the men’s singles. In the men’s doubles, Naresh Kumar thrice made the quarter-finals – in 1953 with Narendra Nath and in 1955 and 1958 with Ramanathan Krishnan.
Kumar retired in 1969 with five titles to his name and later turned his attention to coaching and non-playing roles in tennis, such as writing and commentary. He was the non-playing captain of the Indian Davis Cup team in 1990, when Leander Paes made his debut in the tournament.
The legendary player was conferred with the Dronacharya Lifetime Achievement award by the Indian government in 2020, becoming the first tennis coach to receive the honour.
New York, Sep 12 (IANS) Spanish teenager Carlos Alcaraz displayed explosive power and demonstrated impressive touch around the net as he overcame a fighting Norwegian Casper Ruud 6-4, 2-6, 7-6(1), 6-3 to clinch his maiden Grand Slam trophy — the US Open crown — and secure the world No. 1 ranking on Monday (IST).
The 19-year-old Alcaraz won 76 per cent of net points (34/45) to outlast his opponent inside the Arthur Ashe Stadium after a nearly three hours and 20 minute slugfest. This was Alcaraz’s 51st tour-level victory of the season
Drained of energy, Alcaraz dropped to the floor following the victory and then climbed up the stands to embrace his coach and former player Juan Carlos Ferrero.
“It is something I have dreamt of since I was a kid. To be No. 1 in the world, to be champion of a Grand Slam, is something I have worked really, really hard (for),” Alcaraz was quoted as saying by ATP.
“It is tough to talk right now, I have lots of emotions. This is something I have tried to achieve. All the hard work I have done with my team and my family. I am just 19-years-old, all the tough decisions have been with my parents and my team as well. It is something that is really special for me,” he added.
Carlos Alcaraz
It has been an energy sapping US Open for Alcaraz, who endured three consecutive five-set matches to reach his first Grand Slam final. He spent 20 hours and 19 minutes on court across six games on way to the title showdown with Ruud.
“There is no time to be tired in the final rounds of a Grand Slam… You have to be ready and give everything you have inside. It is something I work really hard for,” Alcaraz said.
Alcaraz has become the youngest Grand Slam winner since Spanish stalwart Rafael Nadal, 19, lifted the French Open trophy in 2005, while he is the youngest US Open winner since American legend Pete Sampras, 19, in 1990.
Alcaraz arrived in New York as the world No. 4 but leaves the Flushing Meadows at the top-ranked player, becoming the youngest to rise to tennis’ pinnacle in the history of the ATP Rankings (since 1973).
The Spaniard has also equalled the biggest jump to No. 1, while he is the fourth Spaniard to climb to the top, joining coach Ferrero, Carlos Moya and Nadal.
Alcaraz spent a total of 23 hours and 39 minutes on court on way to the crown, passing Kevin Anderson at Wimbledon in 2018 for most time played at a single Grand Slam tournament on record (since 1999).
Ruud, who had lost to Nadal in the French Open final in June, was bidding to become the 28th player and first Norwegian to jump to No. 1
Casper Ruud
“Things have been going so well. Today was a special evening,” Ruud said. “Both Carlos (Alcaraz) and I knew what we were playing for and what was at stake. We will be No. 2 and No. 1 in the world, I think it is fitting. I am disappointed of course that I am not No. 1, but No. 2 is not bad either. I am happy with that number and I will continue to chase for my first Grand Slam title and No. 1 ranking,” added Ruud.
